A long-established firm is bidding farewell to a familiar figure in the St Andrews business world.

Jim McArthur, a partner of Hardies Property & Construction Consultants for the last 30 years has retired from the partnership, although he plans to continue as a consultant in another part of the group.

He has handed the reins of the St Andrews office to Gary Ovenstone, who was one of 11 new equity partners appointed by the group this month.

Jim said, “I know that I am leaving Hardies St Andrews in safe hands with Gary at the helm.

“I am looking forward to having a bit more time to spend with the family, particularly my two young grandsons, Ally and Innes. In addition I can devote more time to my involvement with local groups, particularly the work of the St Andrews Partnership, and even more importantly playing a bit more golf.”

Gary, originally from St Monans and who lives in St Andrews with wife Heather and children Jack and Amy, said: “I am honoured and delighted to be taking over from Jim. He is very well known in the town and has been involved in many areas of business and public life in St Andrews.”

In his spare time, Gary is on the Committee of the St Andrews Colts Youth Football team. A keen runner, he is event director of parkrun St Andrews and is a jog leader with local Jog Scotland group STAART.